Watch with a container

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a watch housing comprising a body made in two parts ( 2, 3 ), connected one to the other. The one of the two parts ( 2 ) guarantees the function of a watch whilst the second part ( 3 ), connected to the bracelet, comprises means for attachment of an interchangeable module (M). Said module (M) is extended by an elastic tongue ( 20 ) and security means are provided to ensure that the tongue ( 20 ) is supported on the first part ( 2 ) whilst subjecting the above to a permanent force maintaining the same in the open position.

The present invention deals with a designed container-watch that can beused in numerous applications.

The invention is applicable generally, but not exclusively, to thedesign and production of a watch which could accept a small containermodule capable of holding various products such as, for example, perfumeor cosmetic products in solid, doughy or spray formats.

In a general manner, it is a known fact that a modular multifunctionwatch has already been proposed which allows adding to the moretraditional watch functions numerous additional functions as selected bythe user.

Hence, French Patent No. 01 15331 describes a watch consisting of a mainassembly of two articulated and interconnected parts, one part whichprovides the autonomous function of a watch, and the second part whichconnects also to the watch's bracelet, and which provides the capabilityto add a small additional container module.

Hence, this watch can be shown in two different states:

-   -   one state, closing position, showing the first part covering the        second part, encompassing partially at least, the small        incorporated container module, and    -   the other state, opening position, showing the two parts        separated in an angular manner and/or in translation one to        another, in order to use and/or access the added container        module.

In the execution method described in this Patent, the second part isshaped in order to delimit an area, cylindrical for example, opened inits top part and eventually in its bottom. This area is shaped in orderto receive the added container module of complementary shape.

It has been found that this solution presents a number ofinconveniences:

Due to manufacturing tolerances, the added container module is veryoften subject to small gap variations which generate a discomfortingfeeling to the watch user.

In the opening position, the angular position of the watch's top part isunstable. However, this first top part must be maintained in the openposition in order to have access to the added container module.

When the added container module needs replacement, the user has thetendency to introduce at least one finger on the part which holds thecontainer module's product.

The air tightness between the two parts of the watch is faulty, in amanner such that the cosmetic product has the tendency to leak outsideof the container-watch and/or between the container and it's holderinside the watch, with the understanding that the intended lockingmechanism between the two watch parts must be designed in order toensure the smoothest operation.

The invention therefore has the specific goal to eliminate theseinconveniences.

To that effect, this invention proposes an interchangeable addedcontainer module having an extended elastic edge which in its assembledposition in the intended space, this elastic element would exert apermanent pressure on the first part in order to maintain its openstate.

Advantageously, the two parts of the watch would be equipped withlocking mechanisms actuated on these two subject parts when in the closeposition.

These locking mechanisms would preferably be designed in such a mannerthat when in the locking state, one of the parts would exert a tightnesspressure on the other part at the circular holding surface level aroundthe space intended to receive the added container module. The holdingsurface of one of two parts will be equipped with a tightness lining.

Preferably, this lining tightness would be interdependent with aperipheral border for the interchangeable container module. Thissolution presents therefore the advantage of acquiring tightness betweenthe two parts of the watch and at the same time, between these two partsand the added container module with its receiving bay.

One other characteristic of the invention is that the added containermodule could have the shape of a recipient, cylindrical for example,open at the top face and showing two opposite sides extending one toeach other at the surface level in order to create holding areas whichwould ease the handling of the added module without the user's fingerstouching the product residing inside the module.

Means would be taken in order to secure the added module in thereceiving bay and to facilitate its removal.

Various ways of execution of the invention will be described herein viaexamples but without limitations, and referring to the annexed figuresin which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container-watch as per the invention;

FIGS. 2 to 4 show a watch equipped with a pressure closing mechanismproviding a tightness of the receptacle, in the open position (FIG. 2),in the closed position (FIG. 3) and in the locked position (FIG. 4);

FIGS. 5 and 6 are partial axial cutout views of two watches of the typeas previously described where the lining is found on the container;

FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of a watch equipped with a hook closingmechanism;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are partial side views of watches equipped with variationsof the hook closing mechanism as shown at FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a watch equipped with an extractor forthe container;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are partial schematic cutout views showing the conceptof the extractor, in the resting position (FIG. 11), and in theextracting position (FIG. 12);

FIG. 13 is a schematic cutout view showing a variant of the extractorincorporated in the container.

FIG. 14 is a top view of a variant of a container from the one of FIG.1.

In the example shown at FIG. 1, the container-watch consists of a mainassembly of two articulated and interconnected parts 1, 2.

The first part 1 consists of a ring-shaped wall 3, having fasteningmechanisms 4, 5 which are diametrically opposed to each other as foundon a traditional watch. At the level of fastening mechanism 5, the wallhas two parallel protuberances 7, 8 which form an articulating arm Awhich extends in the perpendicular plane to the longitudinal axis ofwall 3.

At the level of fastening mechanism 4, the wall 3 shows also twoparallel protuberances 9, 10 which are each equipped with a retractableclosing mechanism 11 in conjunction with elastic action ways.

The second part of the assembly consists of a circular 2 watch with aflat bottom 12 entirely autonomous. This watch 2 consists of twodiametrically opposed locations, two protuberances of which:

-   -   an extended shaft 13 that is fixed on protuberances 7, 8 in        order to ensure articulations of watch 12 on wall 3,    -   an extended part, similar to extended part 13, but having two        coaxial cavities 15, destined to snap between protuberances 9,        10 by retracting spur 11, the locking of the two parts being        secured therefore by the engagement of spur 11 into cavities 15.

Cavities 15 are shaped in a manner that would ensure the unlocking ofthe two parts by exerting a rocking action on extended part 14 in orderto put spur 11 in the release position.

Ring-shaped base 3 occupies a cylindrical space E open at the top level(and eventually at its bottom) in a manner which would accommodate thereceipt of removable module M of corresponding cylindrical shape.

This removable module M consists of an external cylindrical-shaped case,open at its top level and closed at its lower level with a flat bottomF.

As per the invention, the top edge of cylindrical case P of the casecontains an elastic flap 20, slightly curved, which extends axially inprojection, in order to butt against the bottom of watch 2 by exerting aforce in the opening direction of the watch.

Hence, when the watch 2 is folded and locked on wall 3, the flap 20 isbeing deformed elastically by accumulating potential energy. During theunlocking action, the flap 20, by releasing this potential energy, willengage the opening of the watch 2 by maintaining its open position. Thisflap 20 ensures also that the removable module is well kept in its spaceE.

Also, when the watch is in its closed position, the removable module Mis firmly held in place by the exerting pressure from flap 20 and thuscannot moved around in its receiving bay E.

Of course, guiding means will be provided between the removable module Mand wall 3 in such a manner that the engagement of module M into space Ecan only be carried out in a predetermined orientation for the modulewhere the flap 20 would be positioned near articulation area A.

In this example, removable module M is expected to contain a cosmeticproduct in a solid, doughy or spray format. Therefore, in order toavoid, during the retrieval or the insertion of this module, that userfingers do not come into contact with the product, the top edge of themodule's cylindrical wall P is prolonged in a radial fashion by twoopposing edges R1, R2 located on the handling areas of module M.

In a way, these handling areas are symmetrically positioned in relationto a symmetrical axis XX′ and passes thru flap 20. These areas have tocoincide with two symmetrical zones of the ring base in relation to thelongitudinal axis of the watch.

To facilitate its retrieval, the module has a protuberance L whichextends in a radial manner towards the outside, starting from the topedge of its cylindrical wall, whereas the top level of the basecylindrical wall has a slanting notch FO located below the protuberanceL when the module M is engaged in base 3. This protuberance L ensuresproper guiding means.

Therefore, when the watch 2 is opened, it is possible to retrieve moduleM by introducing one's fingernail in notch FO and by exerting an upwardpressure under protuberance L. Preferably, protuberance L and notch FOwill be located under the watch's winder 2 when it is closed.

Beneficially, the bottom of the watch 2 could include an elastic peg PEin order to affix to it a removable make-up brush PM.

Alternatively, this brush PM could be affixed on the edges R1, R2 ofmodule M. In this case, the bottom of the watch could be equipped with amirror.

Module M could also be utilized as a powder box.

As previously outlined, an important challenge of this type ofcontainer-watch is that it needs to have good tightness between the twoparts of the watch and also between the container and the subject twoparts.

In order to solve this problem, the interposition of a tightness liningis required, and on the other hand, means of locking are also requiredwhen in the locked position, these exert an evenly distributedcompression on the lining between the two parts of the watch.

FIGS. 2 to 9 show different solutions in order to solve this problem.

Therefore, in the illustrated example on FIGS. 2 and 3, the first part(base 21) consists, from the opposite side of the point of articulation22, two parallel protuberances 23, 24 linked one to another via ahooking shaft 25.

The second part 26 consists, from the opposite side of the point ofarticulation 22 of base 21, two protuberances linked between themselvesvia an articulating axis around which is mounted a rotational flap 29 ina shape of a hook, intended to embrace the shaft 25 of base 21.Therefore, during the closing of the parts of the watch, the lockingaction is obtained by exerting a pressure on flap 29 which provokes itsrocking and the engagement of its hook-shaped part on shaft 25. Thepressure exerted during this closing action creates a compression of thetightness lining (resilient) via one of the two contact points betweenthe two parts. The locking action obtained via flap 23 ensures theholding of this pressure. The unlocking is subsequently obtained byrocking flap 29 in the opposite direction by exerting a traction forcevia user's fingernail. This rocking motion results in disengagement offlap 29 and shaft 25.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, lining 30, 31 is used toensure the tightness between the two parts 32, 33 of the watch andcontainer 34 is interdependent. The lining has a peripheral lip made ofa resilient material that comes between the contact points of the twoparts 32, 33. This lip can for example present a sinuous profile (FIG.5) or consists of a round joint linked to the container via a membrane(FIG. 6). In both cases, the contact points could present an appropriateprofile (including the buttress surface) in order to limit the crushingof lining 30, 31.

It is understood that the invention is not limited to the executionmethod of the locking mechanism as previously described.

Therefore, this mechanism could include a flap L1 rocking around axis 39linked to the two protuberances 35 of base 36 located on the oppositeside of articulation 37 on part 38 of the watch. This flap L1 consistsof one part shaped as a hook on the side of axis 39 which is intended tointerface with the edge 40 at the peripheral location of part 38 and, onthe other side, part that acts as a lever. A spring (not shown here)acts on flap 35 in order to make it rotate and to bring the part shapedas a hook to interface with the edge 40. In this case, the lockingaction is automatically obtained at the end of closing run of part 38 onbase 36. The tightness pressure is the result of the effort exerted onpart 38 at the time of the snap-on of the hook on the edge 40.

In the examples illustrated at FIGS. 8 and 9, the locking is ensured vialever L2 articulated on base 36 and consisting of one part in a hookshape intended to come in contact with shaft 41 (or rod) interdependentto watch part 38 to secure locking. This part shaped as a hook consistsof a profile shaped cam conformed in order such that when engaged onshaft 41 or on the rod, the rocking of the lever L2 in the lockingdirection creates an applied force ensuring the tightness pressure. Inthe example of FIG. 8, lever L2 extends to the outside of the watchwhereas on FIG. 9, lever L3 extends towards the central symmetricalplane of the watch (indicated as cutout P, P1).

Another problem addressed by the invention consists of the retrieval ofthe container. Indeed, in certain applications, measures foreseen in theexecution mode at FIG. 1 prove to be insufficient in order to ensureadequate handling of the container. This is specifically the case whenthe container is found retained in its bay for example by snappingmeans.

To resolve this problem, the invention foresees an extractor which callsfor a pushbutton P mounted in opening O found in the peripheral wall ofbase E, this pushbutton being interdependent with a brooch shaped as awedge B which moves in slot G having a slightly slanted bottom(complementary to brooch B) created at the bottom F of base E.

Favorably, a spring R is foreseeing in order to push back pushbutton Ptowards the outside of base E, in a resting position.

Therefore, in the resting position, brooch B is entirely contained inslot G and container C can be totally engaged in base E.

To carry out the removal of the container one needs only to push onpushbutton P in order to create a sliding of brooch B in slot G. Due tothe complementary nature of the slanted shapes, brooch B moves out fromslot G and exerts a pressure on the bottom of container C which resultsin its removal. Container C can therefore be easily retrieved. Therelease of pushbutton P enables the automatic return to its restingposition for another loading possibility at base E.

Eventually, the extractor could be incorporated into the container. Inthis case, container CO could, for example, include as illustrated atFIG. 13, a dome-shaped bottom FB designed in such a way as to occupy twosuccessive stable states, as follow:

-   -   a first stable state where bottom FB presents a concave shape        opened towards the outside. In this state, container CO occupies        a minimal volume and could totally engage in the base of the        watch.    -   a second stable state where the bottom presents a projecting        convex shape towards the outside. In this state, the container        cannot be totally engaged in the base due to the convex shape        (dashed lines).

The passage from the first state to the second state is obtained byexerting a pressure F′ on the dome-shaped bottom's part, for example viaa pushbutton PO foreseeing in container CO: due to this pressure F′ thebottom FB moves abruptly from the first state to the second state andprovoking the removal of container CO.

In the example illustrated at FIG. 14, the container is separated inthree parts P1, P2, and P3 via two parallel partitions CL1, CL2 whichextend from one another and at a small distance from the mediansymmetrical plane of the container.

These two partitions CL1, CL2, delimit between themselves an oblongvolume which could be used to store an accessory such as, for example, abrush PM. Elastic means could therefore be incorporated to this storingarea in order to provoke a partial removal of the accessory when openingthe watch.

1. Container-watch of the type having an assembly consisting of two parts (2, 3) articulated one to each other, one of the two parts (2) having means to ensure the function of a watch in an autonomous fashion, a removable and interchangeable added module (M), the second part (3), on which a bracelet (6) is attached, having means permitting the installation of the added module (M), having the characteristic that one of the edges of the added module (M) is extended with an elastic flap (20) associated with guiding means designed in such a manner that when in the assembled state and placed in the second part (3), the elastic flap (20) butts against the first part (2) by exerting on it a constant pressure which tends to maintain it in an open position.
 2. Container-watch as in claim 1, characterized in that module (M) and subject second part (3) have the guiding means in order that the engagement of added module (M) in the second part (3) can only have one position for added module (M) in which flap (20) is located near the extremity of the intended articulation between the subject two parts (2, 3).
 3. Container-watch as in claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the two watch parts (2, 3) are equipped with locking means triggered by the two parts in the close position.
 4. Container-watch as in 1, characterized in that added module (M) presents the shape of a cylindrical recipient opened at its top level and showing two opposed edges (R1, R2) which extend one to each other at subject level in order to provide supports for adequate handling of added module (M) without having users' fingers touching the module's content.
 5. Container-watch as in claim 4, characterized in that the module has one protuberance (L) which extends in a radial manner towards the outside, starting from a top edge of a cylindrical wall of the module, whereas the top part of a cylindrical wall of the second part consists of a slanted notch (FO) located under protuberance (L) when module (M) is engaged in the second part (3).
 6. Container-watch as in claim 5, characterized in that protuberance (L) and notch (FO) are located under a winder of the watch (2) when closed.
 7. Container-watch as in claim 1, characterized in that the bottom of the watch (2) includes an elastic peg (PE) in order to affix to it a removable make-up brush (PM).
 8. Container-watch as in claim 1, characterized in that the module constitutes a powder box and that it includes a brush (PM) that is removable and is installed on the edges (R1, R2) of the module.
 9. Container-watch as in claim 1 , characterized in that it includes locking means of the two parts in the closed position, these locking means being designed in such a manner that when in the locking state, one of the two parts exerts on the other a tightness pressure for a lining (30, 31) installed on a circular holding surface around the space used to accommodate the added module.
 10. Container-watch as in claim 9, characterized in that the tightness lining (30, 31) is interdependent with a peripheral border of added module.
 11. Container-watch as in claim 10, characterized in that the subject lining (30, 31) presents a sinuous shape or consists of a round joint linked to the subject peripheral border via a membrane.
 12. Container-watch as in claim 9, characterized in that the subject locking means include a flap (L1) rocking around an interdependent axis to one of the parts , this flap (L1) consisting of one part shaped as a hook intended to interface with hooking means (40) on the other part and, on the other side, one part serving as a lever.
 13. Container-watch as in claim 12, characterized in that the subject flap (L1) comprises elastic means.
 14. Container-watch as in claim 9, characterized in that the subject locking means consist of a lever (L2, L3) articulated on one of the parts consisting of a base and including a hook shaped part intended to come into contact with a shaft or a rod (41) interdependent to the other part which constitutes the watch, this part having the shape of a hook with a cam profile conformed in such a way that during its engagement on shaft (41) or rod, the rocking of the lever (L2, L3) in the locking direction provokes the application of a force which ensures pressure tightness.
 15. Container-watch as in claim 1, characterized in that it includes an extractor consisting of a pushbutton (P) mounted in an opening (0) found in a peripheral wall (E) of the second part, this pushbutton being interdependent with a slanted-shaped brooch (B) that moves in slot (G) designed at the bottom (F) of the second part.
 16. Container-watch as in claim 15, characterized in that it includes a spring (R) required bringing back the pushbutton to its resting position, a position in which the brooch is seated in the slot.
 17. Container-watch as in anyone of claim 1, characterized in that the added module comprises a container (CO) which consists of a dome-shaped bottom (FB) used as an extractor, this dome-shaped bottom representing a first stable state in which its concavity opens towards the outside and a second stable state in which it presents a projecting convex shape towards the outside.
 18. Container-watch as in claim 1, characterized in that the added module comprises a container which is separated in three parts (P1 to P3) by two parallel partitions (CL1, CL2) which extend from one another and at small distance from a median symmetrical plane of the container, these two partitions delimiting between themselves an oblong volume which is used to store an accessory such as a brush (PM).
 19. Container-watch as in claim 18, characterized in that elastic means are incorporated in space accommodating the added module in order to provoke a partial retrieval of subject accessory during the opening of the watch. 